Summer picnics and family gatherings often call for a fresh, crisp salad, and the Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, and Bacon Salad is a fantastic choice. This salad brings together the vibrant flavors of finely chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet corn, crunchy carrots, and savory bacon. Tossed with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and diced red onions, it becomes a colorful and delicious dish.
What sets this salad apart is the choice of dressings. You can opt for a classic Ranch dressing made with a mix of mayo, sour cream, and dry Ranch seasoning, or a homemade creamy dressing without Ranch, featuring a blend of mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, honey, and salt. Both options complement the ingredients beautifully, providing a rich and creamy texture that enhances the freshness of the vegetables.
INGREDIENTS:
Salad:
3 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
3 cups cauliflower florets, finely chopped
2 cups carrots, finely sliced
15 oz sweet corn, drained
½ cup red onion, diced
10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Dressing Option 1 (Ranch):
½ cup mayo
½ cup sour cream (or kefir or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons dry Ranch mix (adjust to taste)
Dressing Option 2 (Without Ranch):
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream (or kefir or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup honey, softened
¼ teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, corn, red onion, bacon, and cheese.
Prepare Dressing Option 1:
In a medium bowl, combine mayo and sour cream.
Add dry Ranch mix and stir well, adjusting the amount to taste.
Prepare Dressing Option 2:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
Ensure the honey is soft and runny for easier mixing. Whisk until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
Gradually add the dressing of your choice to the salad bowl, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add more veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
Vegan: Use vegan mayo and sour cream substitutes, and replace bacon with tempeh bacon.
Extra Crunch: Add sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for additional texture.
Conclusion
The Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, and Bacon Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that make it perfect for any gathering. The choice of dressings allows you to tailor it to your taste, whether you prefer the familiar tang of Ranch or the sweet and tangy homemade dressing. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.